X-Men: First Class… are you one of them?

After much thought (and watching clips from YouTube), I knew we couldn’t let this weekend pass without watching the latest X-Men flick. I was quite hesitant of this installment reboot given that the first three flicks ruined the X-Men of my childhood. Singer’s versions, I can tolerate. But when Ratner killed off Cyclops, Jean and the professor I was fuming mad. That is no way to treat legacy characters of the series! I gave up and couldn’t care any less for Wolverine’s spin-off.

Thankfully, X-Men: First Class has successfully restored my faith in the franchise. Matthew Vaughn’s take on the early beginnings of the Charles/Xavier friendship (and eventual fall-out) have garnered favorable reviews from both critics and viewers since it premiered. After seeing it earlier with my sister, I can say the movie definitely lived up to its hype. James MacAvoy and Michael Fassbender’s chemistry as the young Charles and Erik was so palpable you couldn’t help but swoon at their ‘bro-mance’ moments.

But really, their friendship has always been something I admired since the X-Men cartoons of the 90’s. They may have opposing views on their stand regarding humans vs. mutants yet they argue in a civilized manner. Plus, they also respect each other’s capabilities. 

Fassbender now is undoubtedly the film’s break-out star. His interpretation of Magneto has made the viewers sympathetic towards the character. How else would you explain comments on social networking sites about how they swooned over Erik’s accent and kick-ass, metal-controlling powers?

Story-wise, it was a nice tweak to have Raven as Charles’ foster sister in this adaptation. That plot actually worked for me. Another character I loved was Hank McCoy. In this film we see him as a geeky scientist who has his own emotional struggles before he transformed into the furry Beast we all loved. I can’t help but think this is where the first three films failed… by not casting Beast until the third one when in fact his character is synonymous to the X-Men as Storm, Jean and Cyclops were.

If you have not seen this, better do so within the next few days. It’s totally worth every peso you’re shelling out. 

Phillip/Syrena is ♥!

The new Will/Elizabeth?!?

I watched Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides earlier with Xtian, Isa and my sister devoid of any expectations. After all, I wasn’t a die-hard fan of the Pirates’ franchise. The flick managed to somehow amuse me. Penelope Cruz was a pleasant addition. I love her banters with Johnny Depp. Angelica was the perfect foil for Jack Sparrow’s antics.

But it was Phillip (Sam Claflin) and the mermaid Syrena (Astrid Berges-Frisbey) who captured my attention. How cute is it that they actually got a poster together for this film? The mermaids were fierce!

The King’s Speech: An Unlikely Friendship

“I’m a naval officer, that’s all I know. I am not a king…” – George VI

The movie merited a second viewing on my end. The first time we watched it, I fell asleep. Not because it was boring but rather due to my lack of sleep that day. In fact, the movie was anything but boring. I even found myself laughing at some parts. Colin Firth was a great choice to play George VI (trivia: Paul Bettany was initially considered for the role) because he truly captured the emotions and struggle of the reluctant monarch. One can only imagine how difficult public engagements were when you could barely get words out of your mouth.

This movie’s biggest strength is no doubt its competent supporting cast. Geoffrey Rush was spot-on as the “quack” speech therapist, Lionel Logue. I credit his lines for the occasional comedic scenes in the flick. On the other hand, it was refreshing to see Helena Bonham-Carter not act bat-shit crazy for once. Her watered down portrayal of Queen Elizabeth was a stark contrast to Bellatrix Lestrange whom we all associate her with these days. Even Guy Pearce who was only on for a few scenes was as engaging as George VI’s older brother, Edward VIII.

That said, I’m rooting for Mr. Firth to win the Oscar tomorrow. And I want the book too!

Oh, and here’s the real King’s Speech. Notice the pauses and hesitation when he speaks.

Riding the 'Tangled' loveboat

My Facebook and Twitter status over the weekend:

I enjoyed Tangled so much that I want 'I See The Light' to win Best Song at the Oscars. I ♥ you so much Zachary Levi!

My love for the guy grew exponentially after seeing the movie with my sister. Seriously, whenever he sings, the hotness factor just hits the roof. Tangled further sealed that for me. The movie was fun and heartwarming. For once Disney hit the jackpot casting lead actors who can also sing.

Zachary Levi and Mandy Moore with TANGLED's directors, Nathan Greno and Byron Howard

I’m crossing my fingers that I get to wake up early on February 28 to watch him and Mandy Moore perform the song at the Oscars. They should win Best Song. They should!

* Photo swiped from Daylife

This is my story (and yours too!)

We finally had the chance to watch Crazy Little Thing Called Love this evening. I’d been seeing the title for quite sometime in message boards I visit although I never really paid attention to it. But thanks to FunnySexyPH, I was finally convinced to give this movie a chance. Hey, it’s Mario Maurer (who reminds me of a younger Francis Magalona) after all!

It’s easy to see how this became a hit by word of mouth. The characters are people you can relate to. Never mind if Pimchanok Leuwisetpaiboon (Kim Chiu, is that you?) is just too cute to play a plain Jane character. My sister and I found ourselves laughing at almost every scene. It was like being transported to high school and reliving all those memories you both cherished and would rather forget. Who never attempted to pass by their crush’s classroom (at the pretext of going to the comfort room) just to steal a glance? Or who never secretly squealed, in one way or another, when he actually acknowledged you for the first time?

How come we never make films like this? And no, I’m not talking about those teeny-bopper flicks. I’d like to see a Filipino rom-com flick make it big in other countries because really, there’s more to the Philippines than poverty, prostitution and homosexuality.

I’d like to say we all had a Chon in our lives. Someone who made us look forward to everyday life despite the disasters that come along with it. But like Nam, no one gets a happily-ever-after in a snap. Others wait for years. My own Chon might just be right around the corner. But I’m in no hurry. He'll come around. For now, I simply enjoy the company of my friends and my dearest family.

Only you know how, to hear me through the silence…

 

Romanticized or not, this movie remains to be on my list of favorites. Rupert Friend and Emily Blunt’s chemistry was off the charts. Made me wish that they were the real deal themselves. Like The Queen, The Young Victoria was an attempt to humanize England’s longest-reigning monarch. It dealt more on the queen’s family and not the monarchy or the politics surrounding it. Having such a strong cast to carry the film also became its advantage.

Emily Blunt was exceptional in the title role. I have always been a fan ever since I saw her in Empire. (great mini-series! Santiago Cabrera is a dream!) However the biggest revelation turned out to be Rupert Friend who has come a long way from being merely known as Kiera Knightley’s boyfriend. His portrayal of Prince Albert was heartfelt that you can’t help but fall in love with the character. Pray tell, if you knew a prince like that wouldn’t you want to marry him yourself?

Now if only I can find an original DVD of this, then I would be most happy. Wishlist, huh?

Some little fangirl posts…

Why, oh why, Bonnie Wright?!? I'd say never wear black to premieres again! It's nice to dress down sometimes but please not during Harry Potter events. You deserve an outfit that will highlight your best assets. In this case, a little black dress simply won't do the trick. It is unfair though how you're always getting the short end of the stick when compared to Emma Watson. You ladies are both pretty, end of story. There shouldn't be any competition at all.

Now that we’re into films, one of the movies I'm actually looking forward to next year is Country Strong. It stars Tim McGraw, Leighton Meester, Garret Hedlund and Gwyneth Paltrow in a story about a fallen country star and a rising young singer-songwriter she takes under her wings as they try to resurrect her career. Hedlund is reason enough for me to watch this. I've adored the guy since Four Brothers and he was the only saving grace in Eragon. Pretty scruffy, but definitely a great actor.

Gossip Girl fans, on the other hand, would surely watch this for Leighton Meester. She's such a darling as Chiles Stanton, the beauty queen turned singer, whose good-hearted innocence reminds me of Carrie Underwood when she first started in American Idol.

Trailer: The King’s Speech

Monarchs always make for interesting subjects whether it be on print or film. I loved The Queen because it gave us a human side to the ever-formal Queen Elizabeth II. But I think I’ll love The King’s Speech more because the trailer itself manages to show an unorthodox storytelling on how George VI (Elizabeth II’s father) overcame his stammering. Geoffrey Rush is a delight as the speech therapist, Lionel Logue, who helps the king with his predicament. Helena Bonham-Carter is even a surprise with her less-eccentric portrayal of Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. And how can you ever go wrong with Colin Firth in the title role? For royalty enthusiasts like me, this film is a definite must-see.

Are we looking at a possible Oscar front-runner?

Love Unexpected

A few years ago, I came across a TV movie on HBO about two adults forced to live together to raise the orphaned son of their mutual bestfriends. I was immediately drawn to the story. It helped that Thomas Gibson and Poppy Montgomery had excellent chemistry to boot. Does the story sound familiar? It should, because that’s the same premise of the new Katherine Heigl movie to be shown this coming October. Life As We Know It pairs her off with Josh Duhamel and the 10 year old kid from Raising Waylon (the TV movie) is replaced by a baby instead. Not really Heigl’s biggest fan but this is one chick flick I would totally watch. Would you?

Vampires Suck

 

Now, now… before anyone flames me for the subject of this post, I was actually referring to this parody movie brought to you by the makers of Disaster Movie (and the Scary Movie franchises). Campy as it looks, anything that pokes fun at Twilight is worthy of my attention. I almost didn’t recognize Matt Lanter as the movie’s “Edward”. This looks fun. Maybe I’ll ask my brother to download it a few months from now.

The Ogre’s final curtain call

The fourth and final installment of the Shrek film series more than made up for the disappointment that was Shrek The Third. (*cough*lame Camelot reference*cough*) In Shrek Forever After, viewers are treated to a what-if scenario had our favorite ogre not existed. It's chaos in the alternate universe but not even the diabolical Rumpelstiltskin can stop our gang from gravitating towards each other albeit in different circumstances.

Of course, the movie's dynamic duo once again steals the show with their effortless banter. The subtle reference to Zorro never gets old ("Giddiyap, Donkey!") even with Puss as a fat tabby while Donkey reminds us more and more of our pet dog. This got me hysterically laughing over the scene where Donkey was complaining about being compared to a bloodhound because, according to him, he was no dog.

I will definitely miss the series. It has been a good ten years with Shrek and the gang. But fans will be pleased that a prequel is in the works for Puss-in-Boots (I want one for Donkey, too!). Over-all, Shrek Forever After is a fitting swan song for a movie that taught us fairy tales aren't just for children after all.

Puss + Kitty = Sizzling Hot!

Antonio Banderas is reason enough for me to watch a PIB spin-off flick. But adding Salma Hayek into the mix (can we throw in Eddie Murphy as well?), one can only imagine how hilarious this is going to get. To quote an article regarding the possible release of the movie in 2011:

 

The wide-eyed, womanizing Puss in Boots also finds himself tamed in his spin-off with the introduction of his very own love interest, Kitty, voiced by none other than Salma Hayek.

“She is both a love interest and a villain in a way,” Hayek said of her character. “She is very manipulative — like a really good cat.”

source

 

LULZ! So we finally get to see the origins of the "great cat burglar of Santiago de Compostela". And how charming is Kitty, eh? This is definitely one of my most anticipated films for 2011, second to the final conclusion of the Harry Potter series.

MOVIE: Enchanted

I fell in love with this movie a year too late! Yes, being the miser that I am, I never even bothered to watch this during its regular theater run. But after seeing this last night on Star World, I shall rave about it to my heart's content. 

Looking absolutely stunning throughout the entire flick, Amy Adams was a revelation as Princess Giselle. Who knew she could carry a tune? Or that she and Patrick Dempsey had such amazing chemistry? Really, McDreamy's hotness factor (in my standards) shot up because of it.

My favorite part has got to be when Robert and Giselle were dancing and he was unknowingly humming the song to her. Totally cheesy, but it nearly moved me to tears. It's interesting to note that Disney hasn't lost its touch when it comes to fairytales. Disney princesses were a huge part of my childhood, and now, even as an adult, they still weave that magic over those who believe.

After all, there's still a child in each one of us.

Angels & Demons Teaser Trailer #1

I like! I like! I thought they'd never show scenes like what they did with The Da Vinci Code before. Ohhh, now it's confirmed that Ewan McGregor will play Carlo Ventresca. Yayyy! Ayelet Zurer doesn't look bad as Vittoria either.

I nitpick for fun

Who knew there was actually a Center Stage 2? I loved the original movie and I don't think this can ever compare to it. 

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What's with Cathy Garcia-Molina and her fascination with wigs? In all but one of the movies she's done for Star Cinema, the lead girl is always seen sporting one. Does a wig or someone who wore one figure prominently in her past that she's decided to make it a running theme in her flicks? Wala lang, just an observation.

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When will they ever air the third season of Criminal Minds? Studio 23 already had the second season finale last week and now they're doing re-runs of the first season for the nth time. Darn! They should be on FUSE too.